A former Chief Security Officer of Bori in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Letam Kine, has lost his life after he was attacked by gunmen on Sunday evening.
The shooting happened along Polytechnic Road in Bori, where residents alleged that suspected cultists were behind the attack.
Witnesses said the gunmen opened fire on Kine before fleeing into nearby bushes, leaving residents and motorists scrambling for safety.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that fear gripped the community immediately after the shooting, forcing many businesses to shut down before the victim’s body was later discovered.
The source, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, said, “As a result of the incident, social and business activities were immediately halted, with shop owners hurriedly closing their businesses.
“As I speak with you, activities have resumed, unlike last night, but people, especially students, are still afraid over the killing, which many said was carried out by cultists.
“Policemen came, but it was too late because the assailants had fled the scene.”
The killing has raised fresh concerns in Bori, which hosts Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, as students and other residents continue to express fear over the growing insecurity in the area.
Reacting to the incident, Khana Local Government Chairman, Dr Thomas Bariere, described the murder as shocking and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Communications in Khana LGA, Barry Neemana, the chairman said the latest attack followed the recent killing of another resident, warning that criminal gangs appeared to be threatening the peace of the area.
The statement read, “The Executive Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Dr Thomas Bariere, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Mr Letam Kine, also known as Langa, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. Such criminality has no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.
“He expressed deep concern that the killing comes barely weeks after the tragic murder of Mr Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, noting that the repeated attacks point to the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine the peace and security of Khana.
“Dr Bariere called on all security agencies to intensify their operations across the Local Government Area and ensure that those behind these heinous crimes are swiftly brought to justice.
“He urged law enforcement authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the murder of Mr Letam Kine, arrest everyone connected to the crime, and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
While extending condolences to the deceased’s family, Bariere assured residents that his administration would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring justice.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Blessing Agabe, said police had launched an investigation while security patrols had been intensified in the area.
Agabe added, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. Our men are there, patrols are ongoing in the area, and an investigation is underway to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.”